For many military families, education represents opportunity, stability, and a path forward after years of sacrifice. Yet the cost of schooling, whether it is private K through 12 education, college, or technical training, can feel overwhelming, especially for families of fallen or disabled service members. This is where the work of the Folds of Honor Foundation has made a life changing difference for thousands of families across the United States.
Folds of Honor is not just another scholarship program. The organization honors the service and sacrifice of America’s military by directly investing in the education of their spouses and children. Below, we take a detailed look at what the program offers, who qualifies, how the application process works, and why the Folds of Honor scholarships matter so deeply to military families.
Table of Contents
The Mission Behind Folds of Honor
Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, founded Folds of Honor in 2007 after recognizing a painful reality. While the nation honors fallen and disabled service members, their families often face long-term financial and emotional challenges, especially with education.
The organization’s mission is clear: provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled American military service members. This mission is practical, measurable, and ongoing. Since its founding, Folds of Honor has awarded tens of thousands of scholarships, helping families access education they might otherwise miss.
Education is one of the most effective tools for long-term stability. By supporting schooling at multiple levels, Folds of Honor ensures assistance begins early and continues into adulthood.
Who Folds of Honor Scholarships Are For
Folds of Honor scholarships are designed specifically for military families who have experienced significant sacrifice. Eligibility centers on the service and status of the veteran, as well as the relationship of the applicant to that service member.
The program supports the spouses and children of service members who died in action or in the line of duty, as well as those living with qualifying service connected disabilities. Importantly, eligibility extends across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves.
This broad inclusion reflects the reality that sacrifice is not limited to one branch or role. Families from every corner of the military community may qualify, provided they meet the established criteria.
Education Levels Covered by the Program
One of the standout features of Folds of Honor is its wide educational reach. Unlike many scholarship programs that focus solely on college, Folds of Honor supports students at multiple stages of their educational journey.
Scholarships may be applied toward:
Private K through 12 schooling
Tutoring programs for eligible students
Higher education at accredited colleges and universities
Trade schools and technical training programs
This flexibility allows families to make educational choices that best suit their child’s needs, whether that means private elementary school, a vocational program, or a four year degree.
The Two Main Scholarship Types
Folds of Honor offers two primary scholarship programs, each designed to meet different educational needs.
The Children’s Fund Scholarship
The Children’s Fund Scholarship helps K through 12 students cover private school tuition or approved tutoring programs. To qualify, students must enroll in an accredited private school or tutoring institution and meet specific age and documentation requirements.
The organization sets stricter eligibility rules for this scholarship, requiring a higher disability rating for disabled service members to ensure funds reach families with the greatest financial and medical challenges.
The organization distributes Children’s Fund awards once per academic year, after verifying unmet educational costs.
Higher Education Scholarships
Folds of Honor offers higher education scholarships to spouses and dependents pursuing college degrees, trade school certifications, or technical training. These scholarships often allow more flexibility in disability percentage requirements and support long-term career development.
On average, scholarship awards are around $5,000 per year, although the exact amount varies based on financial need and educational costs. Awards are capped per term and are applied directly toward verified educational expenses.
Students may reapply each year, making this a renewable source of support throughout their educational journey.
Understanding Unmet Need and Award Limits
A key aspect of Folds of Honor scholarships is that they are based on unmet educational need. The organization coordinates directly with schools to calculate the remaining tuition or expenses after applying other forms of financial aid.
If a student receives the maximum scholarship but has a lower unmet need, Folds of Honor disburses only the required amount. The organization directs funds to the educational institution, not the student, ensuring transparency, fairness, and responsible use of donations.
How the Application Process Works
Applying for a Folds of Honor scholarship is straightforward, but preparation is essential. Applications are submitted online through the organization’s official website during a limited annual window.
Application Timing
The application window typically opens in early February and closes at the end of March. Although dates may vary slightly each year, the organization maintains this timeframe consistently. The organization usually announces awards during the summer, ahead of the upcoming school year.
Families should review requirements and gather documents early in the year to avoid last-minute stress.
Required Documentation
Applicants should be prepared to submit several forms of documentation, which may include:
Proof of the service member’s military service
Verification of disability rating or documentation of death in the line of duty
Proof of relationship, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or adoption papers
School enrollment verification and tuition statements
Higher education applicants may also need to submit financial aid information from their school to establish unmet need.
Working with a school’s financial aid office or a veteran service organization can help ensure that applications are complete and accurate.
Eligibility Differences Between Programs
While both scholarship types share a common mission, eligibility requirements differ slightly.
For the Children’s Fund, disability ratings for living service members are typically required to be at the highest levels. For higher education scholarships, the threshold is often lower, allowing more families to qualify.
In cases where the service member was killed in action or died in the line of duty, disability percentages are not a factor. These distinctions are important, and applicants should carefully review the eligibility guidelines that apply to their situation.
Why These Scholarships Matter
For military families, education is often disrupted by deployments, relocations, injuries, and loss. The financial burden of schooling can add another layer of stress during already difficult times.
Folds of Honor scholarships do more than cover tuition. They provide reassurance that the sacrifice of service members is recognized and honored in a meaningful way. Each award represents a commitment to the future of military families and a belief that their children and spouses deserve access to opportunity.
For students, this support can be the difference between delaying education and moving forward with confidence. For spouses, it may open the door to new careers, financial independence, and long term stability.
A Community Backed by Giving
Individuals, businesses, and organizations that believe in its mission support Folds of Honor. Donations fund the scholarship program and help it grow each year.
Small business owners, corporations, and private donors all contribute to sustaining this work. Many supporters see giving to Folds of Honor as a way to honor military service and invest in the next generation.
The organization maintains consistent responsiveness and transparency, making it a trusted choice for those who want to support military families through charitable giving.
Preparing for the Next Application Cycle
Families who believe they may qualify are encouraged to monitor the Folds of Honor website early each year. Reviewing eligibility guidelines, confirming documentation, and understanding timelines can make the application process much smoother.
Even if a family does not receive an award in one year, they may reapply in future cycles. Persistence matters, and many recipients receive scholarships across multiple years.
Honoring Sacrifice Through Education
At its core, Folds of Honor stands for remembrance, respect, and opportunity. By investing in education, the organization carries forward service members’ legacy through spouses and children equipped to build strong futures.
For military families navigating the challenges of loss or disability, these scholarships offer more than financial assistance. They offer hope, dignity, and a reminder that their sacrifice has not been forgotten.
For eligible families or those wanting to support a meaningful cause, Folds of Honor shows how education can honor service and transform lives.
Also Read: What 2025 Really Changed for VA Disability Claims
At Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting, a veteran-owned company, we specialize in Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs) known as Nexus letters.
Our purpose is to empower YOU, the veteran, to take charge of your medical evidence and provide you with valuable educational tools and research to guide you on your journey.
Understanding the unique challenges veterans face, our commitment lies in delivering exceptional service and support.
Leveraging an extensive network of licensed independent medical professionals, all well-versed in the medical professional aspects of the VA claims process, we review the necessary medical evidence to incorporate in our reports related to your VA Disability Claim.
Prestige Veteran Medical Consulting is not a law firm, accredited claims agent, or affiliated with the Veterans Administration or Veterans Services Organizations. However, we are happy to discuss your case with your accredited VA legal professional.
